Rhythm & Ribs

Firewater Tent Revival

The Firewater Tent Revival is from Atlantic Beach, Florida. Born and raised in North Florida the guys will make you want to dance with their funky mix of Folk and Roots music!!!

Founded in 2010 by the remnants of an Atlantic beach punk rock band gone rogue. Once called The Hopeless, Dave Smith (rhythm /lead vox), and Jon Deering (Bass) originally formed the band simply so they could keep playing music together. Soon adding members Nigel Ledford (Banjo), Paul Morrisseau (Volin), Jeff Hoff (Sax/Harmonica), Kris Whatley (washboard, yep that’s really an instrument…) and several rotating featured artists who would join in at will through the bands open door policy, the one thing show goers could expect, is that they would never know what to expect, but it would always be a good time.

Powerful performances of Americana stylized covers, touching on a variety of genres, mixed with several relatable originals mostly written and arranged by the bands lead Dave, would have venue patrons dancing all night, and wanting to know where they could get their next taste of Fire Water. Quickly finding themselves in high demand the schedule filled out fast, becoming regular features at live venues throughout the city such as The Fly’sTie Irish pub and Jacksonville’s hardest working, family owned, Bold City Brewery. Now, several years and many new members later, the core has changed and become much more permanent. The additions of Paul Morrisseau (fiddle), and Jeff Hoff (saxophone/harmonica) in 2013 followed by the only member with true bluegrass roots, Nigel Ledford (banjo) in 2014 has rounded out what is known today as The Fire Water Tent Revival and the future is looking bright. The group recorded their first EP Sinkin Boat in February 2015. Two months later in April they played their way into the hearts of the Jacksonville public, winning third place in the popular crowd funding festival One Spark as voted for by the people. “When it isn’t fun to do any more it’s over” is the perspective the band maintains, and for six years running that’s exactly what it’s been. The set list features songs from well-known artists like “The Devil Makes Three”, “Hank The Third”, and “The Grateful Dead” mixed with 10 to 12 originals. The typical fan finds themselves staying for an extra hour and ordering another round because “These guys said they’re playing til close!”
Folkrock? Punkgrass? Who can say, but if you’re looking for a whiskey snortin, happy go lucky, good time band then The Fire Water Tent Revival will deliver.